Cappuccinos and lattes are possibly the most popular coffees loved by billions all over the world. But what makes them so special? Aren’t they made with the same ingredients – coffee and milk? Then why do billions worldwide rush to their favourite coffee houses and ask for a cappuccino or latte specifically? Time for some answers!
Both drinks have distinct tastes, textures, and finishes. Only someone who has adequate coffee knowledge, an experienced barista or a good machine can bring out the difference. Many cafes are wildly inconsistent with their preparation of both beverages. They literally serve the same thing with the additional serving of foam on the cappuccino (how grateful).
So how can you tell the difference between cappuccino and latte? Learning, of course.
Let’s begin!
What is a Cappuccino?
Cappuccino is the perfect blend as it is an evenly split beverage containing one-third each of espresso, steamed milk and foam. The best cappuccino would have a strong flavour which is not bitter like regular espresso and is mildly sweet courtesy of the milk, which layers it in a way that the strong flavour of the black coffee is retained.
What is a Latte?
Latte is the quintessential milk coffee that you would have seen on countless occasions on Instagram, in coffee advertisements as well as on menus of every café. The expertly created layers of milk and coffee are the real appeal of the latte.
It contains one or two shots of black coffee, steamed milk, and a layer of frothed milk on top. The smooth beverage has a delightful milky flavour that can warm up any soul on cold winter days.
Still confused? Hang on, here’s the part where you understand the difference.
Difference Between Cappuccino and Latte
A cappuccino is a stronger drink which has black coffee and steamed and foamed milk in equal proportions. When you buy it in a café, it is quite likely that they will serve it with a dusting of chocolate on top. On the other hand, a latte is a lot creamier, which allows the espresso to mix well with the steamed milk to create a milder and sweeter taste. It is topped with a layer of cream, which makes it look aesthetic and tastier!
| Cappuccino | Latte | |
| Milk quantity | Contains one-third of steamed or textured milk. | Contains more steamed or textured milk. |
| Taste | Has a much stronger flavour of the base, espresso. | Has a lavish creamy mouthfeel that coats the inside of your mouth. |
| Country of origin | Italy | America |
| Origin of name | The name is based on Capuchin friars, members of the larger Franciscan orders of monks, since the colour of the coffee was similar to the Capuchin robe. | In Italian “latte” is milk and caffè latte refers to coffee and milk. |
We hope this guide will help you differentiate the cappuccino and latte. Besides facts, preparation and taste, the maker and the machine also matter. You don’t need to be a professional barista. Even working with a good machine can do the job.
